Covenant College Set to Join USA South
(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - The USA South Athletic Conference is pleased to announce that Covenant College has accepted an invitation to join the Conference as a full member. The Lookout Mountain, Georgia institution will begin USA South play during the 2013-14 academic year. Covenant joins Huntingdon College who also announced its intentions to join the USA South today.
"We are delighted that Covenant College is going to be joining the USA South," said Jim Gray, President of N.C. Wesleyan College and Chair, USA South Presidents Council. "They are the type of institution we like to have in our Conference in terms of compatibility, competitiveness and their emphasis on academics. We feel like the addition makes the Conference strong and growing and that’s the place we want to be."
"We proudly welcome Covenant College as a member of the USA South", stated Rita Wiggs, USA South Commissioner. "They exemplify the pillars of the Division III and USA South philosophy of academic excellence, personal development and athletic competitiveness. Their strong and competitive athletic programs will provide perfect alliance with our current institutions. We look forward to their coaches and student-athletes competing in the USA South."
Currently, the Scots compete as members of the Great South Athletic Conference. The Scots currently offer six men's sports (baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer and tennis) and seven women's sports (basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball).
“We’re delighted to join the USA South Athletic Conference,” says Dr. Niel Nielson, president of Covenant College. “Along with our moving toward full NCAA Division III membership, this is the next step in providing a firm foundation and future for Covenant College athletics. We’re excited about what lies ahead in NCAA Division III and the USA South Conference.”
“This is an exciting day for Covenant College athletics,” says Tami Smialek, director of athletics for the Covenant Scots. “Our membership in the USA South Athletic Conference will allow our students to enjoy the full NCAA Division III experience.”
Founded in 1955, Covenant College is a Christian liberal arts college that exists to explore and express the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things. Covenant's Statement of Purpose articulates this aim in terms of three goals for Covenant College in all its efforts: to build a community of people responding to their identity in Christ, to develop programs designed and operated from a biblical frame of reference, and to provide educational experiences which foster life-long and Christ-honoring service.
